Our timing is lousy. God’s timing is perfect. Illustration: “Just now,” an expression that is used in Trinidad

So: God is on a mission, involving us, but on God’s schedule

To the story

Retell the story of Moses at the burning bush, Exodus 3:1-10, drawing out the three points of the outline from the story

God is on a mission: God essentially says to the people, “I have seen, I have heard, I have compassion, I am coming down to rescue.” (v. 7-8)

When God gets excited, God always seems to involve us. The result is God saying, “So now I am sending you!” (v. 10)

Our lousy timing but God’s timing is perfect. Compare Moses’ early attempts to deliver Israel (and failure to do so) with God’s perfect timing and methods used many years later.

Illustrations

Cast Your Bread on the Waters: Willard Eberly’s story about how the gospel was reaching Albania long before people knew, and how it later bore fruit.

In the February, 2003, issue of Christianity Today, Ram Cnaan tells us that the average congregation spends $184,000 per year on social services. (“Tallying Compassion,” Ron Cnaan, interviewed by Agnieszka Tennant)

Additional Scripture References

Romans 13:11, Now is the time to wake from slumber

II Corinthians 6:1-2, Now is the time of God’s favor

Matthew 9:35-38, The harvest is plentiful

When is “Now?”

When people are open

When leaders are ready

When the need is great

When God says, “Now!”

Conclusion

Illustration: Sister Parbatee in Trindad said, “You don’t know how long I’ve prayed for a Christian witness in Esperanza, and now you are here.”

Words of African Pastor: “I won’t give up, shut up, let up…..And when he comes for his own, He’ll have no trouble recognizing me. My banner will be clear.”